Tags

  • Published on

    Thoughts on Sunday - Things To Say!

    Image description
    I was up bright and early this morning, waking at 7am; last night was Darrell's first at the airport. For the next month, before we move to Puerto Marino, Darrell has decided to work the night shift, which makes it easier for both him and I, travelling to work. I didn't sleep too well at all, I never do when Darrell isn't here; at least the cats were there to keep me company. When I went down stairs this morning, Darrell was already home and seemed to have had a good night. I know from previous experience how difficult working nights can be; I hated working them myself.

    I am beginning to look forward to moving at the end of November and continue to pack boxes everyday. I certainly don't want a last minute rush, on the day we move, preferring to organise a few boxes each day. At least this time, unlike when we moved from Capri, in Southampton, the load will be lighter, I am streamlining our life more and more each day, not wanting so much baggage to carry around. When I moved from Capri, it was therapeutic clearing out my memories after so long, being left with only the bare essentials.

    Yesterday I heard from a friend back in the UK, someone I haven't spoken to in a while. It is always good to make contact with those close. I am surprised, hearing from those I haven't corresponded with in a while, friendships born from difficulty and lost in the same way; it seems that time is indeed a great healer. Previously, I was a rather difficult individual, my views of friendships were very different to those of others. Today I prefer to keep people at a distance; the relationships I have had in the past have only served to cause me more problems. When forming new bonds, I am very careful who I trust; during my first year in Spain, I was still making mistakes, unguarded and unsuspecting of others motives. The time for giving everything and receiving nothing is well and truly over. The only people I care about is myself and my partner, as it should be. Nevertheless it was heartwarming to receive greetings from bygone times and an apology for the treatment given towards myself and Darrell, not that long ago. Whilst an apology is welcome, it changes very little. My life has moved on, I am not looking backwards, towards darker times.

    These words seem a little bitter don't they? Well I have gone through more than most in my life; having to move abroad because of a sociopath, is not something all of us will have to endure; the whole experience has changed me, not necessary for the better. I have become far more emotionless now, not letting anyone or anything get in the way of my new life. I do miss Britain, family and friends everyday, but do remember, I had no choice but to move here, unlike others who have emigrated to this part of Spain.

    I have had a lot of thoughts about home recently, which maybe has something to do with the time of year. I love the colours and smells of autumn during the run up to Christmas, it was always my favourite time of year. It wasn't unusual for me to have my Christmas tree up by now, helped by those around me, somewhat of a tradition. I do miss the people I knew, not the Country I left behind. I am lucky enough to receive visitors here in Spain often, especially during the summer months, but it isn't the same as having friends in and out of ones home on a daily basis, Capri was always a busy place, guests coming and going frequently; Spain is very different, but I am grateful for that. This is a time for reflection, reassessing ones life and deciding ones own destiny, not having others decide it for me. Britain will always be there, friends likewise, when the time is right, when I am feeling able, I will return to the UK and finally lay to rest the ghosts of the past!
    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Brexit Frustration!

    Image description
    The interesting aspect of working in a bar in Spain, is the people you meet, on a daily basis. Gran Alacant has a core resident population, a good proportion of which are British; we do however have a large transient populous who come and go; seasonal workers, holiday makers and second home owners. All of which make for an interesting place to live. 

    Even in  November, we have our fair share of tourists through the door of LoungeD, all of them happy to chat and pass the time of day. Meeting people is always a pleasure; I am interested in the stories they tell, the lives they lead and of course the news from back home in Britain. I still class the UK as my home, even though I no longer live there, not because I miss it, but because that is where my roots are. In time as I establish myself in Spain, I am sure that  will change.

    The news from home isn't great at the moment; everyone I have spoken to recently appears downbeat. When I left the UK in January 2016, I had concerns about moving to Spain, a country of high unemployment and lower wages. Today, I am happy to be here rather than there. Despite the problems in Spain, politically or otherwise, those I know, Expats and Spanish, are positive about the future, looking forwards, rather that backwards.

    LoungeD has been open for nearly four months now. when you look at our 'Familiar Faces' photo album on the facebook web page, you will see hundreds of people, enjoying themselves in the Spanish sun, getting away from the problems in the UK for a week or two. Talk always turns to Britain's future and everyone has a view, some more vocal than others. People are fed up with the endless hours of talking  and no tangible results to show. A common theme is 'Britain backed into a corner' and 'Europe is punishing the UK, for daring to vote out of the EU.' These statements may or may not be true, we are not privy to the real bona fide facts; governments on both sides of the channel only tell the rest of us, what they want us to hear; the reality is, we know no more now than we did  a year ago. There seems to be plenty of chatter, not all of it accurate or helpful and very little doing; the frustration everyone feels is understandable!

    I rarely watch the British news these days. I find the BBC biased, detracting attention from the real issues, patronising and politically ignorant. Instead I speak to the tourists and people with views that matter, those who really understand the mess Britain is in. Writing my column 'Chatter' for the 'Gran Alacant Advertiser,' has brought me in contact with many wonderful characters, all of whom have a voice and want it to be heard. I include many comments from those who live in GA, because they are important; more so than the BBC. Friends, neighbours and those just passing through Gran Alacant are always a joy to talk with, without their words of wisdom and thoughts on the times we live in, my job as a columnist would be that much harder; opinions, whether I agree with them or not are essential. I have changed my views many times, just by listening to others. As an Expat, living in Gran Alacant, I am part of a community, more diverse than any I have lived in before, we are a melting pot of beliefs, ideas and conviction, so much so, we are all willing and able to speak our minds. Expats are a strong breed, have many concerns, yet less representation than our British counterparts. We need to be listened to during this Brexit debate, so far our plight is being ignored; this has to change. Our future is in question, more than the bureaucrats and politicians in Westminster or Brussels, without our contribution to the Spanish economy, places like Gran Alacant would not exist. Stay vocal, keep chatting, stand up for your rights and above all keep up the pressure on those who will shape all our lives and future direction!
    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Thoughts Of Home!

    Picture

    Fireworks, Rockstone Lane, Southampton, 5 November 2006!

    Picture
    At work this evening, popping outside for a quick cigarette, I briefly caught the smell of a bonfire and fireworks. An autumnal feeling, took me back to 5 November 2006, stood outside my little cottage on Rockstone Lane, Southampton. It was a special time for me; a memory that felt just like yesterday! 
    Picture
  • Published on

    The Luke Martin-Jones Interview - Author Steven Dale.

    Image description
    I have met many wonderful characters since moving to Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca; today I have the pleasure of including the latest 'Luke Martin-Jones Interview,' featuring Steven Dale, someone I was introduced to recently, whilst working at LoungeD. Steven Dale is a character like no other, having recently achieved his ambition, securing publication of his first book, 'The Planet Mirth Adventures One!

    Last month Steven Dale  featured in the Gran Alacant Advertiser, talking about his writing and I was interested to follow up his story with an interview for the readers of 'Spanish Views.' Gran Alacant is full of talent from many corners of the UK and it has been a pleasure talking with Steve; I can't thank him enough, for taking the time to answer a few questions for all of you.
    In this interview, Steve talks about his life living in the UK and Spain; most importantly his love of books and writing. 'The Planet Mirth, Adventures One,' may well be Steve's first book published, but he has also self published in the past and has big plans for the future, with a second 'Planet Mirth book' on the cards. Steve also has many other upcoming ideas, which we will of course, keep readers of 'Spanish Views' up to date with.

    As someone who enjoys writing myself, I am always struck by what motivates someone like Steve to not only write in the first place, but also have the desire to take his passion one step further and attain publication. As I know, this is no easy task and not an ambition to take lightly. Not only has Steve achieved his goal, but he has been good enough to encourage and offer support to all you potential authors, pointing you  in the right direction; words from a man who turned a love for his grandchildren into a tangible legacy, to leave them and all of us.  Doing what you love most in life, whether writing, painting or any other creative pursuit, is always a great place to start. Many of us have dreams and aspirations, but few of us achieve them. Hard work, perseverance and sheer determination are activities Steve employs to get to where he wants to go. I was struck by his motivation, I know you will be too!
     
    1. Can you tell me you name and age please Steve?
     
    My name is Steven Dale and I'm 59 years of age.
     
    2. Steve, you have just had your first children’s book published; can you tell readers of ‘Spanish Views’ a little about your book ‘The Planet Mirth Adventures One?’
     
    It's about a little girl called Mia who travels to the planet Mirth in her dreams and encounters the gnomes that live there and an array of strange looking creatures.
    In the first story she goes on safari riding a rhinhorseros which is half horse and half rhino. She discovers the magical forest where toys grow on trees but the toys can only be picked if you've been a good girl on Earth.

    In the second story, it's Jerome the gnome's burpday party which is celebrated on the anniversary of his first burp.

    The third story is the Mirth games when she runs in the backwards race and wins a gold medal.

    In the fourth story, Halloween, she rides a broomstick to the witch tree forest, where sweets grow on trees.

    The last story is the Mirthmas dinner where she has a magic dish. Whatever food she wishes for just appears in the dish. The gnomes have a sprout eating competition with a comical finally.
    ​
    The stories are aimed at five to eight year olds but the parents seem to be enjoying it just as much.
     
    3. What gave you the inspiration to write your first book?
     
    My grandchildren have been my inspiration from day one. I wanted to write something that would spark their imagination and something that parents could read with enthusiasm.
     
    4. Have you written any others books, if so can you describe their subject matter?
     
    About 2 years ago I completed a Science Fiction book called 'The Old Tin Box' which I self published on Amazon. It's about a mission to Mars. This was an amazing learning curve that I enjoyed immensely. The following is the synopsis.

    Sharon Fox works as secretary to Jack Smart, head of the World Space Agency. A document meant for her boss, lands on her desk and disturbs her deeply. Its contents could have a catastrophic effect on her family.

    She takes the document to her cabin at Yellowstone Park and hides it in an old tin box, under the floorboards.

    What happens to Sharon?
    Will the document ever be found?
    What are the consequences for her family?
     
    5. Apart from your own, what other books to you enjoy reading?
     
    I like reading a variety of genres. Anything that's a little bit different to the norm. My favourite authors are Ken Follet (Pillars of the Earth) and Jeffrey Archer. I recently read a novel by a Swedish author called 'The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.' A very funny book, well worth reading.
     
    6. What age were you, when you realised you had a talent for writing?
     
    I discovered the talent for writing pretty late in life really, in my early fifties, although I used to write comedy scripts when I was younger which I used in my act. I used to work as a Vocal Entertainer with a few gags thrown in.
     
    7. Steve, I know you from Gran Alacant but can you tell my readers a little about yourself; where you grew up and what ultimately made you decide to move to Spain?
     
    I grew up in Port Talbot, South Wales. I worked for SONY UK in Bridgend. On my days off, I worked in the clubs in South Wales, singing and entertaining. Moving to Spain had been a dream for my wife and I since we were first married and we eventually moved here in 2,000.
     
    8. How does it feel to be a published author? What motivated you to achieve such an ambition?
     
    Being a published author is an amazing feeling. When you finally hold the book in your hands it's like a dream come true. My grandchildren were and still are my motivation. I wanted to leave a legacy behind for them. They've been my biggest critics because you know what kids are like. If they don't like something, they'll tell you straight.
     
    9. What advice would you give any budding authors out there? Was the road to publication a difficult one?
     
    It's been a difficult journey to publication but you have to believe in yourself and your book. You have to deal with rejection but if you persevere, the rewards will come. Just think of J.K.Rowling, her first book was rejected by a lot of publishers but she got there in the end.
     
    10. Finally can you tell my readers where they can buy your book(s) and what plans you have for the future? Are there more books in the pipeline?
     
    I've got a follow up book that I'm working on called 'The Planet Mirth Adventures Two.' Also some ideas for a spin off called 'The Planet Stupider.'
     
    I have included the links for my book, but don't get put off if Amazon state that my book is out of stock. This is normal for new authors. You can still order and Amazon will send you an estimated delivery date, alternatively you can order my book directly off my publisher Austin Macauley.

    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Halloween!

    Picture
    Like everyone else, Gran Alacant celebrated Halloween yesterday. The Pub in Masa Square, Calle Holanda, situated in the same square as LoungeD looked fantastic, as did my local Zest, in Sierra Mar, where I popped in after work, to join in the festivities. There was live music and a fancy dress competition, everyone looked fabulous. Darrell and myself also popped up to La Piedra, having a thoroughly enjoyable evening. 

    I never really celebrated Halloween in the UK, preferring to hide away, usually to avoid the kids playing Trick or Treat, however this year, I did enjoy the night, having a few drinks with friends after work. They certainly know how to do things properly in GA; next year I will make more of an effort to dress up and get into the spirit of the occasion. Well done to all the bars and restaurants who celebrated, decked out in spectacular style!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture